Kara L. Kerr, Ph.D.
Dr. Kerr is an Assistant Professor in clinical psychology at Oklahoma State University and Associate Director of Training at the Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience. She obtained her Ph.D. from The University of Tulsa in 2017. Through her research, Dr. Kerr seeks to understand the neurobiology of adolescent internalizing disorders and to apply this understanding to prevention and intervention.
Zsofia Cohen, M.S.
Zsofi is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology. She graduated from The University of Tulsa in 2019 and completed a post baccalaureate research assistantship at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research studying mindfulness interventions for adolescents with early life stress. Currently, her interests include examining the neural markers of risk and resilience in early life stress and how parent-child relationships may mitigate the onset of anxiety and depression in these populations.
Gabriella Atencio, M.B.A.
Gabriella Atencio is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2021 with her BA in Psychology, summa cum laude, and then completed her MBA in 2022. During her time at UNM, she studied neuromodulation techniques in healthy adult populations, alongside investigating body image in preadolescents. She also conducted organized behavioral research at UNM's Anderson School of Business. Gabriella's current research interests include investigating the impact of childhood adversity, chronic illness, and psychosocial factors on adolescent mental health.
Courtney Cooper, B.A.
Courtney is a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology. She graduated from Luther College in 2021 with a double major in psychology and biology. She worked as a research assistant in Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Courtney is interested in studying the impact of emotion regulation skills on cognitive development in children and adolescents. Additionally, she is involved in research studying risk and protective factors related to psychopathology in adolescents.
General Leia Organa, C.G.C.A., D.M., D.S.A., T.K.N.
Leia is the LAB Lab. She is interested in positive reinforcement paradigms, particularly those involving food rewards. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, kayaking, swimming, and, most of all, dock diving. She has earned her Community Canine (Canine Good Citizen Advanced), Dock Master, Dock Senior Advanced, and Novice Trick Dog titles.
Current Research Assistants
Abbi Bellatti - OSU undergraduate student
Hannah Caperton - OSU graduate student (Counseling Psychology)
Anahi Montes - OSU undergraduate student
Azra Holland - OSU undergraduate student
LAB Alum
Tiffany Trimble - Postbac Research Assistant, 2020-2022
Tanner Stone - Postbac Research Assistant, 2021-2022
Stormie Fuller - Postbac Research Assistant, 2019-2021
Leslie Garza - Summer Research Coordinator, 2021
Rae Robinson - Undergrad Research Assistant, 2022